Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

When a client's parents express no intention of contacting their son during treatment, what should the social worker do first?

1. Meet with the parents to discuss their decision

2. Work to develop a treatment plan with the client

3. Help the client identify alternative social supports for after discharge

4. Facilitate a reconciliation between the parents and the client

The correct answer is: Meet with the parents to discuss their decision

Meeting with the parents to discuss their decision is the most appropriate first step because it allows the social worker to understand the parents' perspective and the reasons behind their choice not to contact their son. Engaging the parents in conversation can provide valuable insights into the family dynamics and any underlying issues that may exist. This initial meeting can also serve as an opportunity for the social worker to gather information that may be relevant to the client's treatment and can influence the planning process. By establishing communication with the parents, the social worker can begin to address any potential barriers to treatment and explore possibilities for involvement in a way that may be beneficial for the client. It provides a platform to discuss any concerns the parents might have and investigate the potential for re-establishing some level of connection as the treatment progresses, if appropriate. In contrast, jumping straight to developing a treatment plan with the client without first understanding the parents' stance may overlook critical information that could affect the plan's effectiveness. Likewise, helping the client identify alternative social supports or facilitating reconciliation may be premature without first addressing the current family dynamic and the parents' rationale for their decision. Understanding the parents' viewpoint is crucial before moving on to other aspects of the treatment process.